Top Myanmar Travel Tips

Top Myanmar Traveling Tips
Myanmar or Burma? Why Did it Change Its Name?
The country officially known as Burma got independence in 1948 from occupying forces, yet it wasn't till 1989 that the ruling military junta changed the nation's name from Burma to Myanmar following a military coup.
Politically, the name Burma was seen as a relic of the country's former British colonial past, as well as Myanmar as more inclusive of the many ethnic groups in the nation. Other names were additionally changed, which is why you will certainly see Rangoon now referred to as Yangon.
For tourism, Burma travel is Myanmar travel. Same same, as they say in Southeast Asia.
Both the names Burma as well as Myanmar are still utilized interchangeably, on the ground and also on the world stage. This article breaks down the modifications, what you 'should' say as well as the question: does it even matter?
Ideal Times to Visit Myanmar
There are typically 3 seasons in which you can go to Myanmar:
October to March: Dry, winter
March to May: Hot, summer season
May to October: Damp, rainy season
The popular, high season is November to February when the weather condition is warm yet not stifling, and draws in the greatest number of visitors. This, consequently, makes the minimal holiday accommodation options difficult to secure and will certainly indicate attempting to book in advance or deal with paying out for the much more pricey options left over.
March to May is the time when the temperature increases in Myanmar as well as approaching rains are due. There is a minimal number of tourists that makes it easy to book accommodation but it is exceptionally warm.

Visas
An e-Visa is readily available to tourists from these 100 countries.
To get one, go to the official e-Visa site. You'll need to upload a passport photo as well as pay a charge of $50.
It takes under 10 mins to apply and also you should get approval within 3 working days.
Print out your e-Visa letter, show it when you arrive and you're in.
Your e-Visa letter stands for 90- days from the day of issue as well as permits you a 28 day stay in Myanmar
Obtaining a visa from your local consular office may be less costly-- if you intend to save some cash, applying for a visa via your local Myanmar consular office may be less costly. As an example, the cost is just ₤ 14 in the UK however $40 in the U.S.A., so do your research and also don't neglect to consider mailing costs.
It is only possible to enter Myanmar on an e-visa at Yangon, Mandalay and Nay Pyi Taw international airports; and also at 3 Thai-Myanmar land boundary crossings Tachileik, Myawadi (Myawaddy) and Kawthoung (Kawthaung). Read the immigration site for the most up to date at the time you travel.
Getting to Myanmar
Flights to Myanmar are the usual option for travellers as the first mode of entry, with regular scheduled services from Bangkok. However, considering where Myanmar lies-- surrounded by China to the North as well as northeast, Thailand as well as Laos to the eastern as well as India as well as Bangladesh to its west-- there are several methods for land entrance, although not every one of them are advised due to safety and security.
Regardless, you need to specify a "Port of Entry" in your online application which denotes exactly how you will be reaching Myanmar. You will certainly be provided a list of choices, where you will certainly need to pick among the following:
Myanmar Designated International Airports:
Mandalay (situated right in the center of Myanmar)
Yangon (situated in the south)
Nay Pyi Taw (situated in between Mandalay as well as Yangon)
Going Across at Land Border Checkpoints:
Tachileik (in the Shan State of eastern Myanmar on the border to northern Thailand)
Myawaddy (in the Kayin State of southeastern Myanmar on the border to western Thailand)
Kawthaung (in the most southern part of Myanmar, in the Tanintharyi Region on the border of the Thai Peninsula and also the collection of islands)
Tamu (in the Sagaing Region of northwestern Myanmar on the border to northeastern India).
Rih Khaw Dar (a six-hour drive from the boundary town of Khawmawi in the northwestern Chin State of Myanmar on the border of Southeastern India).
In reality, you can enter Myanmar at any designated "Port of Entry" however it is best to stay with the one you originally mentioned ideally to avoid any type of hold up in the handling of your visa upon arrival.
You can exit at any one of the International Airports and Land Border Checkpoints since your exit point does not need to be mentioned up front. In addition, you might leave at the Htikee Land Border Checkpoint, although entry from here is not possible.
Flying in and out of Yangon is cheaper as well as has a lot more links than Mandalay.
Navigating Myanmar-- Cross Country

Credit: myanmartours.us
Myanmar's local transportation alternatives may be aggravating however the cross country propositions are a lot more attractive.
Distances are far, road travel is sluggish and also flying is inexpensive so it might be your much better choice.
You can still book flights the old-school method by wandering into a travel agent.
Flying within Myanmar is a little bit like flying in the older days-- check-in entails ticking people off a listing of printed names, baggage claim can mean leaving the airport as well as grabbing your bag off a trolley by the aircraft and flight announcements are made by a person holding up a sign as well as calling your flight (in incomprehensible English). It really is an experience. And a lot of fun if you do not let it get you stressed.Buses are budget-friendly with competing companies and a variety of deluxe levels.

Credits: seawander.asia
Many buses travel over night which is great for not losing a day of sightseeing and tour, but isn't so excellent for sleep. Likewise, you'll have a tendency to arrive at odd times in the morning and also will not be able to check into your hostel or hotel up until 2 p.m. That's a great deal of hrs awaiting a 'top-up' snooze. Think about if it will be less costly to fly if you're going to book accommodation the exact same night to take a nap straight away.
Buses are very cold, the high-end buses will certainly offer you a covering however, use your warm layers.
Even the VIP bus doesn't have a toilet onboard so expect to stop every few hrs for a food as well as toilet break-- a little bit discouraging if you're attempting to sleep through the night.
Night buses are not sleeper buses, even though these are the buses which bring you to your destination around 3 or 4am. What's even more, some still play their funky local song CD's and also tacky music videos until the early hours of the early morning. Pack your iPod, purchase some heavy-duty extreme ear plugs or kindly request the sound to be shut off.
Never ask a vehicle driver regarding he time of arrival. As a result of superstitious notions based on a belief system of nats (spirits) that existed before Buddhism came to the fore, asking when you will reach a location conjures up bad spirits as well as is taken seriously. The outcome? You will not get an answer.
You will mostly reserve buses through your hotel, hostel or guesthouse-- they will usually bill a fee however be aware that the fee can vary substantially.

Credits: seat61.com

Check whether pick-up is included in your ticket price - this really does differ depending on destination, mode of traveling as well as company. Search for a firm that does include pick-up as taxis are extortionate.
Reserving buses online is more difficult-- There isn't one handy on-line booking site as well as the ones that do exist have a limited number of tickets. If you're told they're sold out, it doesn't necessarily imply the bus is full. Attempt booking in other places.
If the company has a Facebook page, message to book without charges.
Buses are usually faster than the trains, but bus rides are bumpy-- you could consider taking tablets for nausea. Boats are likewise an alternative for some routes; the Mandalay-- Bagan service is popular among tourists.
There are no international car-rental firms, but a lot of travel agencies in Yangon, Mandalay and also Bagan-- as well as guesthouses as well as hotels in other places-- can arrange cars as well as drivers.
Myanmar's Local Transport

Credits: asiancorrespondent.com
Myanmar is still developing and this is most frustratingly apparent in the local transport.
With limited public transport, taxis will be your primary method of navigating especially for getting to and from airports and within cities like Yangon and also Mandalay.
Taxi prices are past extortionate-- rates are established on the spot (after a quick 'just how much can I get away with' computation) and you're going to have to negotiate hard. It's not uncommon to hear rates of $1-$2 per kilometre. Frequently the taxi to as well as from the airport/bus will certainly be more than you paid for your flight or intercity bus.
1,000 Kyat per kilometre is a good approximate quantity for taxi prices.
Taxi cabs for the day may be your much better bet-- it can be around $35 for a day of taking in the sights in Bagan and also $28 for a few hrs in Mandalay.
Distance is a much larger aspect than time in dictating the cost of hiring a driver: a 12 hour journey about Yangon can cost USD 70 while travelling further afield to Golden Rock, a 2.5 hour drive each way, can be estimated at USD 200. Gas is costly in Myanmar and is a huge contributing factor to the expense.
Everybody wants to take you to a craft store, a silk factory or a nut manufacturer during your sightseeing and tour journeys. Do not be afraid to say no when you're paying for your very own personal transport. Nevertheless, that's the reason you are paying a premium. On the flip side, some of the side journeys can be fascinating and drivers may take you to some cool areas that aren’t on your itinerary and you may be happy you chose their suggestions!
Hiring bikes as well as e-Bikes (electrical motorbikes) outside the cities is much cheaper however beware of the dust-- Myanmar is by far one of the dustiest areas, as well as mostly all travelers create a dust cough. Pack sunglasses and also something to cover your mouth.
Don't take an e-Bike if you can not manage it-- or else you'll be just one of the lots of vacationers walking toting head to foot road rash as well as plasters.
The big cities are gridlocked so walking may be quicker-- Yangon has some of the worst traffic. 1.5 hrs to cover 15 kilometres ought to provide you an idea. The time advised for reaching the bus terminal (22km far from the centre) is 2.5 hours.
Car quality is hit and miss so do not count on air-conditioning and also leather seats-- that 1.5 hr journey in Yangon could all be done in 38 degree heat with absolutely nothing more than the heat of the engine fan to 'cool' you down.


Credits: globaltravelmate.com
Prepare for the unexpected. When your night bus to Bagan arrives in the very early hours of the early morning, your only alternative to reach my hotel may be via horse and cart. There is still a haggling process to be had, but because this is the primary form of vacationer transportation here it is just all-natural that they are awaiting new bus arrivals.

Money as well as ATM Machines in Myanmar

Credits: mmtimes.com

You can use 2 currencies in Myanmar-- dollars and the local money, kyat (pronounced ‘chat').
If you're going to use dollars, they need to be pristine. What's pristine/brand new-- unfolded, uncreased and also newer than 2006. Each individual note is checked thoroughly for defects, discolouration and creases at the money exchange booths. You may also have trouble changing notes with the AB/CB identification numbers.
Some vendors insist on payments in US bucks so you can bring some United States dollars to spend.
Using kyat is most likely to be less costly because the USD currency exchange rate is informal-- someplace in between 1,300 to 1,400 kyat, the currency exchange rate is usually applied on the spot, possibly relying on how rich you look.
There are ATM machines and they mainly work but see to it you have money before turning up at more remote spots like the coastline. Often they may be out of service.
You'll pay an ATM machine fee of about $4 for every single withdrawal which is in addition to any costs your bank could bill. And you possibly won't be able to take out greater than $150 at a time.
ATMs give kyat only. There are a lot of exchange places around, but mostly the transactions are to change immaculate dollars into local money.
Wait for the big cities orinternational airport terminal to change cash back to dollars.
Some hotels do not have credit card machines and also call for cash payment. If you have booked your hotels beforehand online this might save you taking added cash money for holiday accommodation.

Credit cards are accepted mostly only in top-end resorts. Some travel agents in Yangon as well as Mandalay also take them, generally charging a small charge, for purchasing flights.
Cost of travel in Myanmar
Myanmar is a great deal more expensive than the rest of Southeast Asia-- infrastructure is still being click here built. That includes guesthouses as well as dining establishments. Companies are recouping their expenses.
Holiday accommodation prices
A dorm bed will certainly set you back around $20-$30 a night. You can get a standard private room with en-suite from around $35 for a single bed. In tourist hotspots like Bagan, you can pay US$35 to US$40 for a dull, no-frills room.
For hotels, deluxe resorts can be priced at over USD 200 a night (the Inle Princess Resort being a fine example where luxury comes with a rate of $250 per night) with various other very good alternatives being available at $100 to $150 (eg Zfreeti hotel in Bagan which sets you back around $120 a night). A modern hotel can set you back USD 75-80 a night (the Smart Hotel in Mandalay).
Popular 'package tourist' destinations like Ngapali beach can set you back as much as $100 a night for a 2-star resort (though there are a number of hostels there as well). On the plus side, you typically obtain a cost-free morning meal with your accommodation.
Food expenses
Street food is most economical-- around $1-$2 for a plate of something basic. Local restaurants cost around $2-$4 a dish. Anything remotely western (air-conditioning or featuring something like pizza) will certainly cost $7-$12.
Drink expenses
Bottled water is economical, under 50 cents a litre. Beer is also inexpensive at a couple of dollars per bottle.
Sightseeing expenses
The tourist dollar is king. Anticipate to pay for the benefit of being a foreigner as well as making use of squat toilets, going into pagodas, storing footwear as well as taking photos. 'Foreigner payments' are prominent in the much more touristy locations.
It's possible to bargain on costs of products like souvenirs however if you bargain too hard the locals lose interest and leave.
Tipping is not typical technique in Myanmar, and also it's just foreigners who tip.
Sightseeing in Myanmar

Credits: lonelyplanet.com
We were up and out most days for dawn as well as out cold by 10pm! The heat is typically unbearable during the peak sunshine hours and the arrival of the visitor buses make it harder to get amazing pictures as well as move easily.
Not everywhere on a map of Myanmar is open for exploration. The far north, mountainous location of Myanmar, along with the western Chin State and also the far, crime levels are incredibly low.
Still, you need to take the typical preventative measures of utilizing hotel storage lockers or safes for your valuables. Women travellers should not experience any kind of harassment or different treatment.
Do take hand sanitiser-- the cash is dirty and also there isn't always soap in restrooms so utilize your sanitiser prior to you touch anything that will go near your mouth.
Watch out for the dust- Myanmar can be extremely dusty so do bring something to cover your mouth and nose when biking around. Likewise take care with your a/c-- Myanmar can be as hot. Consequently, numerous visitors use the a/c in their room yet sleeping in low temperature levels can make you sick.
Fruit is simple to come by so top up your body immune system with nutrients that way. However, as it's commonly pre-cut, try to find a vendor that has actually kept the flies away and also if it's sluiced with water, ensure it's filtered water.
Safety
A lot of government advisories alert against traveling to parts of Rakhine (Rakhaing) State in western Myanmar, where clashes in between local authorities and the minority Muslim (Rohingya) communities has actually led to the mass displacement of thousands of people. Some other parts of the country stay shut to foreigners as a result of dispute between the government as well as various ethnic armies gathered in eastern and northern Myanmar. These locations are mainly in Kachin as well as Shan States, near to the frontiers with China as well as Thailand, as well as far from the major visitor locations.
Precise info on conflicts and closed locations can be tough to come by. Check your government's recommendations before travelling, and inquire about the situation once you are in Myanmar. Lonely Planet's Thorn Tree travel forum is a good resource of information from visitors on the ground.

What to wear in Myanmar
Most of the locals dress conservatively| and also cover their shoulders and legs despite the high temperatures, and you will certainly make everyone a lot more comfortable if you follow suit.
Knee length shorts, long skirts, elephant pants and also tee shirts are the clothing of choice. These are highly encouraged as well as typically enforced for entering the temples and also pagodas.

Credits: backpackinglikeaboss.com
Everyone puts on skirts-- men and women alike-- the longyi, a long skirt, is the popular traditional dress in Myanmar for both males and females. Many visitors pick one up as they're breezy in the warm and also tick the 'conservative wear' box. They are practical for sightseeing so get a cheap one a the marketplace if you have the opportunity.
Flip flops are vital! Getting in pagodas means going barefoot and also flip flops are the best footwear option. Dealing with laces in the blistering heat is an undesirable interruption. Bring some cleaning wipes for your feet after going to a pagoda.
Myanmar is a conservative nation so you'll blend better if you dress conservatively (covering your knees as well as shoulders). You will certainly find individuals in shorts and also strappy tops in the cities and at the beach but somewhere else it's less typical.

Culture

Credits: parallelsandmeridians.com
The local individuals are incredibly genteel and also not used to confrontation so pack your good manners as well as your patience. Travelling can be frustrating, hot and slow but bear in mind: you picked to see Myanmar which it's not like being at home is no good reason to take it out on the citizens. Nonetheless, bargain hard with the taxi drivers.
You may get stopped a great deal by locals who intend to talk. Vacationers are no more a novelty in the majority of Southeast Asia however Myanmar is different. Normally the people are lovely and more than happy to appear in photos and try and also converse through minimal typical words or sign language.
You mayalso get stared at a whole lot which is normally best handled by providing a smile as well as a mingalabar (hi in Burmese). Burmese English can be difficult to comprehend, be patient, listen hard and if you're spending for a guide, make sure they have excellent clear English before you book.

Credits: toddholdenarmstrong.blogspot.com
The red stained pavements are a consequence of spewing red coloured saliva after chewing betel quids, tiny parcels that contain tobacco, spices and also areca nuts wrapped in a betel leaf. It's most likely popular| because it supplies a hit that's equivalent to 6 cups of coffee. However, as well as being dangerous when chewed long term, the byproduct is bright-red saliva which is spat out, most times onto the ground.
Lots of citizens have the tell tale red stained teeth as well as cab drivers typically roll down the window in slow-moving traffic to spit after eating on the betel quids.
There is some begging by youngsters in Myanmar and as heartbreaking as it is, you shouldn't give to the kids. Why not? Read this brilliant short article by Uncornered Market.

Credits: mekongtourism.org
It's common to see yellow circles pasted on the faces of the Burmese girls. This is Thanaka, a cosmetic paste made from ground bark, which is a beauty product in Myanmar and also works as a sun block.


It's also common to hear a kissing sound in the cafes as well as dining establishments as citizens use the kissing sound as a call for service. Apparently it's simpler for staff to determine the area of the kissing audio so do not be surprised!
Burmese Phrases
Both crucial phrases you need in Myanmar are:
Hi: Ming-gu-la-bah
Thanks: Jay-zu-de-bar-dee
Not only is it polite, but it is well received. Be prepared for most locals to giggle in response-- they are not mocking you; they are just not anticipating it.

Various other practical concerns in Myanmar
Laundry is generally done by hand and also is charged per item rather than kilo so try to turn up with your garments laundered as well as unless you intend to turn over $20 for a load of washing, select the items you actually require washing and also clean your smaller sized items on your own as you go.
Toiletries are very easy to find by but tampons are not so bring what you require with you.
You can not flush toilet paper or sanitary products-- this is very usual in developing nations where the plumbing system can't deal with anything other than bodily fluids.
Myanmar has that weird half-hour difference| to its time area so it's 6 and a half hours in advance of GMT.
Most of the plug sockets of Myanmar have multiple adaptors for European and also North American 2-pin plugs along with British three-pin.
Wi-fi is bad in Myanmar so you either need to get over it or, far better still, purchase a local SIM. You can obtain one at a lot of airport terminals when you land or in one of the shops in the road and the shop personnel will certainly have you set up in about 5 minutes. You can find out more concerning your network choices below. Still, with 1 mbps thought about to be a 'rapid' link, do not expect to be downloading video clips whenever. On-line access has actually improved, with wi-fi the norm-- most hotels, guesthouses and also cafes have it totally free-- and also the internet is now spreading tofarther locations. However tightly squeezed bandwidth and also power outages can make using the net a frustrating exercise.
Do your research ahead of time or pack a guidebook, and also do not anticipate to Skype home very often, it's barely possible to get a messenger service to operate at times!
You'll be much better with a knapsack than a suitcase. Luggage aren't excellent on dusty, sandy, unevenroads. Getting in and out of myriad forms|types|kinds} of transport as well as hefting it up lots of high stairs isn't far better.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *